OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate immunoexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 2, 7, 9, and 26 in calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (CCOT).
STUDY DESIGN:
Ten cases of CCOT were assessed by immunohistochemical expression of MMPs 1, 2, 7, 9, and 26 in the parenchyma and stroma. Metalloproteinase immunoexpressions and their distribution pattern were semiquantitatively scored.
RESULTS:
MMPs were expressed in the parenchyma and stroma in all cases of CCOT. Regarding the percentage of immunostained parenchymal cells, MMPs 1, 7, and 9 showed score 2 in 100% of cases. For MMP-2, there was a predominance of score 0 (90%), whereas for MMP-26 immunostaining was varied.
CONCLUSIONS:
The staining of these metalloproteinases, with the exception of MMP-2, suggests their contribution to tumor growth and expansion. The presence of these metalloproteinases in stromal cells reveals the active participation of these cells in the degradation of the extracellular matrix, contributing to the growth of the tumor studied
